Woman Accused of Beheading Sister Allegedly Assaults Cop at Pollsmoor Prison
Aletta Rose, the 63-year-old woman facing murder charges for allegedly beheading her 79-year-old sister in Bellville South, ignited fresh chaos at Pollsmoor Prison on Tuesday morning when she reportedly refused to board a police vehicle transporting inmates to court. Sources at the facility described a tense standoff after Rose, who has a prior conviction for murder dating back to 1996, allegedly grabbed a police officer during the confrontation. The incident forced authorities to temporarily halt the prisoner transfer, triggering an investigation into whether the disturbance was premeditated or a spontaneous outburst.
Rose’s appearance in court on Monday had already shocked onlookers, with reports describing her as homeless and living on the streets near the Bellville police station. During her first court session, she declined bail, stating she had no job or financial means to secure release. The magistrate noted her lack of a fixed address, a detail that underscored the precarious circumstances surrounding her arrest. The case has since been postponed to March 30, pending legal aid review, though no family members attended the proceedings.
Police confirmed the discovery of Rose’s sister’s decapitated body on March 19 at a residence in David Street, Bellville South, after neighbors reported suspicious activity. The case docket was registered as murder and Rose was arrested later that night. While initial reports suggested the motive remained unclear, court documents from March 23 revealed Rose’s history of violence, including the 1996 murder conviction—a fact that has fueled speculation about whether mental health or long-term instability played a role in the latest atrocity.
Pollsmoor Prison officials declined to comment on the specifics of Tuesday’s altercation, but sources within the facility indicated that Rose’s behavior during transport was erratic. One officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, described her as “unpredictable,” adding that she had to be physically restrained before being subdued. The incident has raised concerns about prisoner security protocols, particularly for high-profile or volatile cases. The Western Cape Department of Justice has not yet issued a statement on whether disciplinary action will be taken against the officer allegedly grabbed by Rose.
Legal experts suggest Rose’s refusal to comply with transport orders could complicate her case, potentially leading to additional charges of obstruction or assault on a police officer. However, her legal team has not yet commented on the developments. Meanwhile, the public reaction in Bellville remains one of disbelief, with residents expressing shock at the brutality of the crime and the apparent indifference of authorities to her past record.
The next court appearance is scheduled for March 30, when prosecutors will likely seek to formalize charges beyond the murder allegation. Until then, Rose remains in custody at Pollsmoor, where prison officials are reportedly monitoring her behavior closely.